RECEIVE CAMPAIGN UPDATESMEDIA RELEASE | Greens Commitment to Work with New Government
The ACT Greens today announced their commitment to Canberra to work cooperatively with both the Labor and Liberal Parties when a new government is elected on Saturday.
“The Greens will write to both Chief Minister Jon Stanhope and Liberal Leader Zed Seselja inviting them to sign a formal commitment to a cooperative Assembly,” Amanda Bresnan said.
“The Greens have proposed to discuss new government arrangements with all Parties and Independents post election to form Canberra’s most constructive and innovative parliament.”
“Canberra voters have elected five minority governments in the past six elections and it is highly likely that Canberrans will vote this Saturday for a return to minority Government.”
“The Greens stand ready to co-operate with either the Labor or the Liberal Parties to deliver a stable minority government after the election.”
The Greens called on Jon Stanhope and Zed Seselja to join the Greens in endorsing a formal ‘Commitment to Canberra’ Pledge, which contains the following principles:
1. Committing all parties to respect the vote of Canberrans at the election, and to agree to work positively and cooperatively in minority government, if that’s what Canberrans vote for on October 18.
2. Supporting balanced budgets over the economic cycle.
3. Agreeing to work with other MLAs after the election to formulate an agreed policy program for the benefit of all Canberrans which recognises the challenges of climate change and financial uncertainty.
4. Committing to improving community consultation and the accountability of government.
5. Agreeing not to place misleading advertising, or to misrepresent the policies of other parties.
“Many voters are responding positively to the Greens optimism and long-term vision. Unfortunately, the Labor and Liberal parties have responded by misrepresenting the Greens policies to the public and trying to scare voters about minority government. But if a minority government is returned, no single political party will be able to force through legislation with no accountability or oversight. Every political party will need the support of another to pass legislation, requiring cooperation, consultation and negotiation.” Bresnan said.
